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Claus en Kaan Architecten, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
 
 

Perspective

Explanation of the Architect

The landscape serves as a setting for the configuration of the building complex. The landscape creates distance but at the same time connects the building with the primaeval condition of the location. The building is designed as a rock-like part of the landscape, just as justice is, in an international state of mind. The landscape of sand and water moves slowly upwards and backwards but the building stands for its proven values. (...) The building will be materialised in an intensely durable manner, allowing it to live up to its physical reality in the dunes of The Hague.

Opinion of the Jury

The design provides an addition of two sculptural buildings in 'an intensely durable manner'. The Jury quoted this approach as a strong, maybe too strong architectural gesture, which declares integrity - some Jury members spoke of dignity. But the majority of the Jury found the strict basic concept and the homogeneous facades too conservative and not related to this specific institution. It is not a new kind of court but rather monumental. The Jury appreciated, that the design concept was worked out precisely.

The functionality is solved very convincing. The parts of registry in the courtyard building have a high room quality due to its orientation to the 'sunken garden', but also causes long circulation routes, because of the one row room system. The extension of the office areas is not possible without disturbances of running operations. The long corridor and the spatial situation of the security check and the main entrance are questionable.

The access system to the courtrooms is planned in an excellent way. The courtrooms receive daylight from rooflights, but have no view to outside.

The cost estimation of the author is clear and understandable. The maintenance is assessed as average. The digging and foundation of the courtyards are challenging in terms of construction costs and technical matters. The energy and environmental system is convincing but rather high-tech.